IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder that occurs when IgA-a protein that helps the body fight infections-settles in the kidneys. After many years, the IgA deposits may cause the kidneys to leak blood and sometimes protein in the urine.
Many people with IgA nephropathy leak blood in the urine, but this leakage does not mean they will have long-term problems. Others leak both blood and protein in the urine. If too much protein leaks into the urine, the hands and feet can swell. After 10 to 20 years with IgA nephropathy, the kidneys may show signs of damage. About 25 percent of adults with IgA nephropathy develop total kidney failure. Only 5 to 10 percent of children develop total kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include swelling in the hands and feet, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sleep problems. By the time these symptoms occur, total kidney failure is near. Total kidney failure means the kidney damage is permanent. People with kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms of IGA Nephropathy
Cola- or tea-colored urine (caused by red blood cells in the urine)
Repeated episodes of cola- or tea-colored urine, sometimes even visible blood in your urine, usually during or following an upper respiratory infection
Pain in your side(s)
Foam in the toilet water from protein in your urine
Swelling (edema) in your hands and feet
High blood pressure
Low-grade fever
A variety of systemic diseases are associated with IgA nephropathy such as liver failure, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's disease, ankylosing spondylitisand HIV. Diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy and a search for any associated disease occasionally reveals such an underlying serious systemic disease. Occasionally, there are simultaneous symptoms of Henoch-Schönlein purpura; see below for more details on the association. Some HLA alleles have been suspected along with complement phenotypes as being genetic factors.
Treatment for IGA Nephropathy
Micro-Chinese Medicine Osmothearpy is applied, which is the advanced form of traditional Chinese medicine which has thousands of years’ history. The main function of Chinese medicine can promote the blood circulation and dissolve the stasis in the blood, which can clear away the immune complex in renal mesangial area and enhance the immune ability. In this step, stem cell is also applied, which can help not only repair the damaged cells and differentiate into those dead ones.
